On Sept. 11, 2017, Pearl River Central High School ROTC will conduct a day of commemoration to those who answered the call of duty 16 years ago. Those men and women who saved others on that tragic day are an inspiration to the people that have since enlisted to protect the United States.
The sequence of attacks on 9/11 began with the American Airlines Flight 11 striking the World Trade Center north tower at 8:46 a.m. At that same time Monday, PRC ROTC members will hold a moment of silence at the flagpole on the Carriere campus. After that, the ROTC will lower the American flag to half-mast while playing Retreat.
After that, Chief Ron Hazlewood, PRC Navy JROTC instructor, said the public, students, faculty, administrators and supporting staff can leave a memoriam such as a wreath, rose, drawing or a cross at the flagpole. The public is invited to say a prayer and plant a miniature flag, provided by the PRC ROTC, at the base of the flagpole, or simply pass by the site.
Meanwhile, the ROTC will place several decorative memorials, including a ship’s bell, for the ensuing ceremonial service at 11 a.m. During the ROTC’s “Make Eight Bells” ceremonial service, Taps will be played, signifying the end of the watch, honoring the departed and commemorating the nearly 3,000 citizens who lost their lives 16 years ago.
At approximately 1:40 p.m., a tribute will be held to honor the service members who enlisted since the events of 9/11. This ceremony will conclude with a prayer of remembrance offered by the ROTC chaplain.
The ROTC will store all accumulated memoriam at the flagpole at 4:10 p.m. People will be able to drop off memoriam until then.
Yellow ribbons will be provided to participants of Monday’s event to signify the remembrance of those who lost, sacrificed and gave their life during the events of 9/11. The ribbons should be worn on the left upper part of any shirt, above the heart.
Although Picayune Memorial High School’s ROTC is not having any special events on Monday, those students raised flags across Goodyear Boulevard Friday to honor the victims of 9/11.